For about 2 to 6 months, many types of cheese can be frozen.Before popping the cheese in the freezer, seal the small blocks, slices, and gratings in airtight packaging.Blocks of cheese from the deli can be frozen very well if stored in the freezer.The flavor should not change even though the texture will become grainier.You should melt the cheese in a cooked dish or use it as a topping instead of snacking on the thawed-out slices.
Step 1: To make melting easier, shred or slice the cheese.
If you plan to use a block of cheese in a dish in the future, cut it into smaller pieces before freezing it.You can shred a block of cheese with a cheese grater or shredding blade.You can cut individual slices with a cheese knife.shredded or sliced cheese can be frozen.Make sure it is within its lifespan and doesn't show signs of mold.
Step 2: Store shredded cheese in a plastic bag.
Place shredded cheese in a plastic bag if you shred it yourself.The cheese can be opened in the packaging.To get as much air out of the bag as possible, squeeze it and seal it tightly.If necessary, put the bag into a second bag.
Step 3: Place the paper between the slices of cheese.
You should cut out a piece of paper for each slice of cheese you have.The larger the paper, the easier it is to separate the pieces once they are frozen.A stack of cheese and paper is formed.If you have a block of cheese, seal it up in a container as you would with a stack.Pull up on the paper to separate the slices of cheese you want to get from the frozen stack.
Step 4: Before you freeze the package, you should date and label it.
Write down the type of cheese in the package with a permanent marker.List the product's expiration date and the date you put it in the freezer so you know how long it will last.If you want to thaw the package, put it in a dry spot in the freezer.
Step 5: Cut larger blocks to pieces.
Cut the cheese into pieces before putting it in the freezer.If you are working with a large block or wheel of cheese, slice it into pieces weighing no more than 2 lbs.If you prefer, you can cut the cheese into smaller blocks.This will allow the cheese to thaw out completely.
Step 6: Blocks of cheese can be wrapped in plastic.
Use plastic food wrap or a zip-top plastic bag to store cheese.Wrap it tightly around the block of cheese and keep the air out of the freezer.Add an extra layer of protection to the cheese by placing it in a freezer bag.It is important to use packaging that is resistant to water.If the block of cheese is less than 2 lbs, leave it in its original packaging and add an extra layer of protection with a freezer bag.
Step 7: You should label and date the cheese before putting it in the freezer.
If you know what type of cheese you have frozen and how long it has been in the freezer, use a permanent marker to write it down.The date that you wrapped it up should be added as well.Then put it in the freezer.The cheese can be frozen quickly if the freezer door is closed.
Step 8: Within 2 to 6 months you can use frozen cheese.
It's best to keep the softer natural cheeses for no more than 2 months.It is possible to keep processed block cheese for up to 6 months.If you haven't used the cheese after 6 months, discard it.The cheese may be more prone to freezer burn if it has holes like Swiss or fissures like blue cheese.It is a good idea to check in on them from time to time.
Step 9: The cheese should be kept in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours.
Before you eat the cheese, you need to allow the ice crystals to thaw out.Leave shredded or thinly sliced cheese in the fridge for 24 hours.Wait around 2 days to allow the cheese to thaw completely.You should only take out as much cheese as you need.If you use shredded cheese, open the bag and shake or break the amount you need.Pull on the paper to peel off the slices.The rest of the package should be returned to the freezer.If you have frozen a block of cheese, you need to thaw it.
Step 10: The cheese can be eaten within 2 to 3 days.
If the date isn't for a while, you should consume the cheese as soon as possible for the best results.It can be used as a crumbled salad topping, melted over a burger, or used in a casserole to avoid the mealy consistency.If you use it, be sure to finish it in the next few days.If you haven't used any cheese after 3 days, discard it.
Step 11: shredded pieces, slices, or blocks can be frozen.
Blocks of cheese that you can buy from the deli are great for freezing.You can freeze these types of cheeses in small blocks, slices, or shredded form.Try using them in a cooked dish once you thaw them.
Step 12: Store hard and aged natural cheeses in the freezer.
Before you freeze hard or aged natural cheeses, you should think about how long you want to keep them.Aged cheese can be shredded or frozen in blocks.They are best used in a cooked dish or as a crumbled topping once frozen and thawed.It is possible to keep aged cheeses in the refrigerator for up to 4 months.Blue cheese can be frozen for 6 months if you plan to use it as a crumbled salad topping.
Step 13: If you are going to cook with soft natural cheeses, you should freeze them.
Soft natural cheeses like brie can be frozen, but will often take on a watery consistency.If you will be melting or cooking with the frozen results, you should only freeze soft cheeses.If you want to spread a soft cheese on crackers, keep it in the fridge.Since they will melt during the cooking process, it is usually okay to freeze soft natural cheeses as part of a prepared dish.
Step 14: Don't freeze moist cheese.
Cottage cheese, ricotta, and cream cheese can be used up by the date on the packaging.Fresh mozzarella balls or burrata can be frozen if they are stored in water.The delicate flavors will be disrupted by freezing.Depending on the type of cheese, it will either be dry or watery.It is fine to freeze these cheeses as part of a casserole.The cream cheese has been baked and frozen.